Welcome to the winter edition of the Thailand Golf Travel Nation. As in the past, this newsletter contains original and news breaking stories on the state of golf in Thailand as well as provides useful golf course information, unique golf playing tips for Thailand’s tropical environment, and the lucky draw giveaway winner. This month we even have an exclusive Golf In Europe special only for the readers of the Thailand Golf Nation (see below).

The Thailand golf season is in full bloom with all regions now reporting excellent golfing weather and fantastic course conditions. Just 2 weeks ago at the Volvo Masters was held at Thai Country Club in Bangkok and green were so quick that even many of the professionals had a hard time 2-putting. One of the event attendees commented, “This was the best I have seen Thai CC; green speeds were an amazing 13 on the stimpmeter”.

Up north, Chiang Mai Highlands had their official grand opening and the event was well attending by press, professionals, and local businessmen. The new course will be the spotlight of this months course UBS golf challenge and featured on Star Sports. Moreover, the Highlands golf course continues to receive accolades from all players. It is now easily the best course in Northern Thailand.

In Pattaya, the former Century Golf Club is now under new management and has been renamed the Emerald Golf Club. This Dennis Muirhead & Nick Faldo design has been brought up to the international standards it deserves. The golf course conditions have improved to the point where the course is now ranked as one of the top 5 in Pattaya. Management continues to invest in good maintenance practices and I would not be surprised to see the course get into the leagues of Laem Chabang and Siam CC in the near future; the design is that good! We have secured a limited number of tee times at deep discounts and are pleased to offer this course individually or as part of a excellent value Pattaya golf package.

On the other side of the Gulf of Thailand, good construction progress on the new Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin is being made and reports from several locals confirm that the opening is on schedule for early next year. This new Hua Hin golf course will be a great accompaniment to the other new Hua Hin championship course, Black Mountain. Speaking of Black Mountain, the Asian PGA event originally planned for 2008 is now scheduled for the 2009 season. By that time the Back Mountain's second course will be finished and open for play.

While still on Hua Hin, there is a great article on the Hua Hin golf scene in the current issue of Australian Golf Digest. Grab a copy from the newsstands, it makes for interesting reading!

As far as Golfasian, last month we exhibited at our first ever trade show, the 2007 International Golf Travel Mart in Cancan Mexico. The event was a resounding success drawing hundreds of golf travel agents from all over the planet. Being the only Thailand golf tour operator at the show, we had trouble satisfying the interests from all the tour agents in our 24 official appointments, so dozens more unofficial meetings were held at private functions after the show each evening. Many new friends were made and we have already received our first bookings from our new golf partners. Thank you to those who stopped by our booth!

On another note, we are launching 2 new golf tours and I thought you should hear about them first. One tour is a “Thailand Golf Expedition” covering everything Thailand has to offer for the visiting golfer and non-golfer alike. On this golf package you will get to experience the best luxury of the most enchanting golf destination on earth.

The other tour is the “Vietnam Golf Trail”; starting in the northern capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, and making its way south through Halong Bay, Dalat, and Phan Thiet, before finishing in Saigon. All of the top Vietnam golf courses will be featured along with visits to the main cultural and historical centers across the county making it a once in-a-lifetime opportunity for golfers looking for an exotic golf holiday. By the way Vietnam just won the “Best Upcoming Golf Destination” and you will see why on this trip!

If anyone is interested in finding out more about either tour, please contact me directly.

Finally, I want to wish everyone a very happy and healthy holiday season. For those of you who have not made any winter golf plans it is not too late; we have a few special last minute deals available for you.

Please remember if you want to get regular updates on the Thailand (and South East Asia) golf scene, then sign-up for uninterrupted email delivery of this newsletter. In addition, all persons signing up will automatically enrolled to win a chance for a free sleeve of Titleist Pro V1x golf balls, plus a special Golfasian exclusive member's only gift.

Have a great winter and remember, think positive and YOU WILL SHOOT PAR.

Widely considered as the best course in Pattaya and one of the top 5 in all Thailand, this 27-hole Jack Nicklaus designed layout is as fun as it is challenging. The course has three distinct nines, the Lakes, Mountain and Valley Courses, each offering their own unique challenge. The Lakes and Valley courses meander along pristine natural waterways while the Mountain nine provides commanding views of the surrounding area and is a stern test of golf.

The rolling hills of the Pattaya countryside have been used to great effect, and hazards to stop you reaching the elevated greens are in abundance. Not only does the course have a lot of waste bunkers (Nicklaus’ trademark), sand traps, and water hazards, there are also many natural hazards such as exposed rock formations, lakes, ponds and creeks.

If at all possible, play all 27 holes, especially since carts are mandatory. The clubhouse has great views overlooking the Lakes and Valley Course and the staff enjoy catering to tourists. I especially recommend a foot massage, followed by some local cuisine from lunch buffet with ice cold beers to quench your thirst after your round. Jack Nicklaus would be proud of the fact the owners keep this course in fantastic shape year round and continue to make small improvements on a consistent basis.

Laem Chabang International Country Club is located in Chonburi, which makes it accessible from Pattaya in around 45 minutes and from Bangkok in a little over 1 hour by the elevated expressway or motorway. The course is well worth the visit.

Many of you are looking forward to this year’s golf holiday of your dreams, but are not sure what to bring to the golf courses to get the maximum enjoyment from your trip. Therefore, I thought it appropriate timing to write on this important topic in this month “Best of the Blog” section. Much of the information is unique to golfing in Thailand and I have developed this based on my personal experience paying and living here. I hope you find it useful.

The eight essential items I always bring with me to the golf course when playing golf in Thailand.

1. Every golf course in Thailand has lockers and showering facilities so make sure you bring a change of clothes. Many first time visitors don’t realize how hot it gets and most visitors will find themselves very wet after 18 holes in Thailand. Also, it is more enjoyable to relax in the club house, sip a cold beer and get a bite to eat after your round in a dry and clean set of clothes. This is very different from the USA or Europe where most golfers tend to practice “golf and run”, not spending time to neither socialize nor make use of the facilities.

2. Wear light colored clothing to deflect the sun, bring sun block, the highest available and definitely a cap, unless you want to go back to the hotel looking like a lobster. The Thailand tropical sun is much stronger than in the west, especially in winter, and too many a visitor has suffered severe sunburn after playing only one round in Thailand. This is easily avoidable.

I would love to hear about any golf tips that any of you may have developed for getting the maximum enjoyment from golf in Thailand, and can incorporate some in future articles. Therefore if you have any golf tips or suggestions you would like to share, please let me know by dropping me an email.

Special Playing Advice

Golf For Health and Happiness

There are millions of people addicted to golf, many of whom choose a Thailand golf holiday. Why? Golf can be played here on beautiful courses with as many people as you like and year round in very pleasant weather, at least here in Thailand. Golf if very gentle on your body, and is truly the sport of a lifetime.

Playing golf in Thailand has many physical benefits and is a very efficient way to stay in shape. With golf, you will get the most enjoyment out of a round if you walk the course. Most all the courses in Thailand are designed in a country-style setting. This allows the golfer in Thailand to experience the course, the environment and enjoyment of the traditional game; while also burning a number of calories and improving your cardiovascular health.

Professional golfers make the game look easy. Their swing seems as fluid and effortless as running water, and they look as thought they are on a leisurely stroll as they hit drives more than 300 yards and hit high soft iron shots. The truth is the professionals are strong and fit enough to make a complicated athletic move look simple. Few holidaymakers can devote that amount of time, energy, and money to golf, but that shouldn't stop you from making positive changes in your game by improving your strength and conditioning. Golf is a game of balance, discipline, and touch. Enhancing and improving those specific shills, requires a balanced regimen with four important components: strength, flexibility, endurance, and diet.

There are many books and videos one this subject and I would suggest that all golfers invest in a good golf fitness program before starting their Thailand golf holiday. This will not only lower your holiday scores, but also it will also have lifelong positive benefits!

Golf In Europe: FREE Golf Friends Membership

We are glad to announce a cooperation with one of the biggest European Golf Operator - golffriends.com!

Golf_Friends provides detailed and up to date information about all golf courses in Europe. Besides substantial data about each golf club, contact data, course descriptions, picture gallery, and membership prices, you can also book teetimes online. Individual ratings and rankings give great suggestions about "places to see - or better not to be" . You can network in the European golf-community, find golf partners or look for products in the marketplace. Premium members of golffriends.com can take advantage of greenfee discounts up to 60% at golf courses all over Europe and a variety of other special golf related offers.

As a subscriber to the Thailand Golf Nation you can register as a basic member for free or you can get a 60 % discount on your premium membership until January 15, 2008.

This is the code for a premium membership at golffriends.com: d652-4335-b3bc
Please enter this code during the registration process to guarantee your discount of 60 %. This very special offer is limited until January, 15th. To register click here

The winner of a sleeve of Titleist Pro V1x golf balls is Judy Ling, from Hong Kong. Congratulations Judy! I will be contacting you shortly to arrange delivery. If you receive this newsletter first, please contact me by e-mail.

For those of you still not yet signed up with Golfasian please feel free to register here. Not only will you have a chance to win next time, but you also will receive an exclusive gift, special announcements and be eligible for other great offers from Golfasian.

About & Contact

Golfasian Co., Ltd.If any reader would like to suggest a topic to be covered or better yet contribute materials, photos, or even
commissions an article please contact me by e-mail, I welcome the help.

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